Educating and empowering this generation to protect themselves against the virus will inevitably lead to a fundamental reduction in prevalence of the disease.

Funds raised for the project through the ‘Big Give’ channel are boosted by 25%, so if you are able to support us in this great cause, please do so here …This is a worthwhile cause with sustainable long-term benefits, and you really will be helping to save lives.

SunIsle Holidays - Supporting Temwa

We recently had a client who booked to go to Corfu and decided that they wanted to hire a car. We quoted our rates and they also did an internet search of hire car companies, both the direct ones and the “middle men” type. Eventually, they found the cheapest option and booked their own car. As a company, SunIsle encourages transparency and choice in all services, so customers are free to choose their own car, their own flights, their own extras etc if that is their desire.

Towards the beginning of the holiday, their car broke down so they called the company’s help line (that then had to be relayed to the actual car company) to ask for their assistance. It turned out that the clutch had gone and the company agent told them they had to pay 400 euros on the spot (at the road side) before they would assist them.

Following intervention from our representative, who politely advised and offered assistance. She also overlooked that by not booking through us, we couldn’t guarantee the service and support received by their chosen company and helped in any way she could. After some negotiation by SunIsle, the car was eventually fixed for 200 Euros and the clients were given a new car. Understandably, they were quite upset about the whole episode and, at one point, wanted to call the police.

It appears that most of the “cheaper” car hire websites use third party companies and all of the car hire comparison sites work in this way - providing a “layer” between the client and the company responsible for sorting out any problems. Clients may be getting a better deal price wise, but as in the experience of this client, it is a big price to pay for appalling service.

SunIsle have one a huge advantage in car hire and that is our local contacts. Not only do we use local companies, who are more competitive than the larger firms, we have a proven record of reliability and excellent service and support. Clients are met at the airport and the car is waiting for them outside, having been checked over by our representative. No need to queue at the car hire desk, no fishing around for paperwork - everything is designed to get you smoothly from flight to property and give a proper start to the holiday.

Another client was quoted prices on Zante and thought our car hire was too expensive. They booked online with a company offering cars at £17.50 per day. However, when they arrived at the airport they found that their car hire company not there, realised they had no contact number and no way to get in touch. Throughout the summer, we have a (thankfully, small) number of these incidents and (thankfully) our representatives are able to resolve the problems with a minimum of upset.

Which brings us to the final point. Our car hire is not neccessarily the cheapest option on the islands (although usually is). However, you are getting at least two important bonuses when booking with us. Firstly, if you are our client, we will provide you with the cheapest RELIABLE car that we can find, guaranteed because we put a lot of business they way of local suppliers. Secondly, if you encounter a problem, we know exactly who to contact top resolve the problem and have the local relationships to ensure that everything is resolved quickly and without fuss.

1. I know you do villas, but do you do flights?
This is the most common question we get here at SunIsle.  The answer is yes, we do do indeed do flights (at very competitive rates) with all of the charter airlines, as well as EasyJet.  A big bonus to booking flights with us is that your holiday is fully ATOL bonded.  In addition to villas and flights, we also do transfers, car hire, welcome hampers, and are now branching out into excursions.  We can point you in the direction of a supplier for almost anything be that walking tours, boat hire, mule riding, cooking classes.  Ask and we’ll try and get it booked for you.

2. Is your office near the seaside?
No, we’re not near the sea, we’re in the middle of the city centre but every spring we get a new pet baby seagull living on our window sill, who provides seaside noises.  It’s a shame we’re not near the sea because the poor thing has a diet of garbage and McDonalds, never reaching a very mature age. 

3. Do you just need the postcode when I give you my address?
We’re a small, personal office here with a small sales team and very little technology.  Please bear with us, whilst we ask you the spelling of ‘Avenue’.  We want to make sure that your tickets reach you.  We’re all reliant upon numerous notebooks and pens – both of mine are pink!

4. How much should I budget per day for my holiday?
This is my least favourite question we get here!  It’s impossible to say how much someone else should budget.  It depends a lot upon where you are going, Santorini and Mykonos are more expensive than say Corfu or Zante, and the whole of Greece seems a lot cheaper than Bristol.  Self-catering in a villa or apartment is a great way to save some money, stocking up on delicious local produce from the supermarket.  However if you love to eat out, you’ll find everything from cheap tavernas to top class restaurants on the Greek Islands.  If you’re staying in a hotel, make the most of breakfast, fill up your tummy (and maybe your handbag?). 

5. Have you been there?
This is my favourite question we get here.  I love to talk about all the great places I’ve been with SunIsle – so far Athens, Andros, Kea, Zante, Lefkas, Meganissi, Kefalonia, Corfu and Paxos (all in one trip).  It’s a great way to give you more of an idea about what a place is like and whether it would suit you.  Equally, it’s a great way for us to prove to our MD that it’s useful to send us to Greece.  If I haven’t been there,  I do enjoying saying loudly ‘Sorry, I can’t tell you more, I’ve not been there’  in earshot of our MD and maybe he’ll send us one day soon.  There’s someone in the office who’s been to every island!

My best friend and I are planning our summer holiday, which inspired me for this SunIsle blog entry on island hopping.  We have embraced the trend for upmarket backpacking – the way to holiday this summer according to all the glossy magazines – a backpacking vibe with a stylish edge, leaving you to get down and dirty by day (if you wish), reclining in elegance by night. 

My destination – of course - is the Greek islands.

Any Greek island hopping holiday in the Cyclades should begin in Andros, or more precisely at Aneroussa Beach Hotel.  Here Maria welcomes guests to this stunning hotel in an idyllic location.  Lie in bed and listen to the sea lapping against the beach, sit on the generous balcony and listen to the sea, or indeed lie on the (almost) private beach and listen to the sea.  Andros is an island only just edging its way onto the tourist map, but this is surprising with superb walking, quiet sandy beaches and excellent Greek food.

Mykonos, set of Shirley Valentine, is one of the most visited (and most expensive) of all the Greek islands, but for a reason.  By day, take a day trip to the sacred island of Delos, browse the exclusive boutiques, or just lie back and enjoy the sandy beaches.  By night, join the jet-setting party crowds, or avoid them, and enjoy a quiet meal in the island’s own little Venice.  As far as accommodation goes, we recommend no less than a former bishop’s residence – Despotiko Hotel.

Rivalling Mykonos in charm but a little more relaxed and a little less expensive is the old town of Parikia on Paros. What’s more, it is ideally situated to sit back and admire the sunset over a drink or two.  With one of the busiest ferry ports in the Cyclades, a visit to this charming island is easy.  In Paros, I advise you to be unfashionable, forget all about the elegance and pick good old fashioned Greek hospitality and traditional architecture at Onira Studios, a small development of nine sea-facing studios, which share a pool just 1km outside of Parikia.

Santorini is a must visit island for any Greek-Island-ophile.  I left this island unexplored, waiting for that “special weekend with that special someone”, on the advice of my cousin, who went there on her honeymoon (with her Greek husband). At this rate I’ll be waiting forever!  The Windmill in Pori has to be the dream base for any holiday, be it a honeymoon, special family holiday or indulgent girly holiday.  Staying at The Windmill with its beautifully decorated round rooms, private swimming pool and proximity to the beach, you won’t want to move.  However, by sunset, you should be in Santorini’s old town of Fira.  Sit on the cliff and admire the orange red skies over the caldera.  My cousin’s top tip is to become a ‘proper’ tourist and to  take an excursion by traditional caique, visiting the volcanic hot springs, the caldera itself and the largest of Santorini’s islets – Thirassia.  Fira’s cliffside is lined with fashion and jewellery shops, bars, and restaurants, where you can enjoy the most stunning panoramas in Europe.  There are also a number of exclusive hotels here – the best we think is Kastelli Hotel and Spa.

So, this summer, take a couple of weeks to explore the Greek islands without compromising on style.  Each island has its own character – from the tranquillity of Andros to the cosmopolitan Mykonos, the bougainvillea-clad Paros and unique Santorini.

The Cyclades really are islands where you will mix a sense of adventure with affordability.

Now we’re finished planning our own holidays for this summer, SunIsle can help you organise a unique Greek holiday experience for you and you’re party.  In addition to the great accommodations in our Cycladic portfolio, we’ve also put together a range of interesting island hopping itineraries.

Here at SunIsle we can book these for you, meaning that you will benefit from great value low cost flights as well as our ATOL bond and free Supplier Failure Insurance with every booking.

For visitors, the week is an opportunity to see another side to Corfu and experience traditions that have been kept alive for generations. The events and parades that take place during the week are set against a stunning backdrop of architectural styles from Byzantine to Venetian. Each period in Corfu’s history has added a further layer of custom and tradition that combine to make today’s Easter in Corfu a rich and fascinating experience.

Ceremonies and events take place across the island, but Corfu Town is the cultural hub of the island and the most popular events begin or end here. On Tuesday mass at the islands ‘ churches and monasteries includes the famous Orthodox “Kassianis’ Hymn” and harmonic chanting, also known as Cretan music, fills the narrow streets (kantounia) around the towns churches.

12 April (Sunday before Easter)
11am A procession takes place through the streets of Old Corfu Town, when the body of Saint Spiridon, the Patron Saint of the Island, is paraded through the streets of Corfu Old Town. This is an important celebration, dating back to 1600’s and is the oldest procession on Corfu. It begins from Saint Spiridon Church and commemorates the miracle performed by Saint Spiridon to save the island from starvation. Corfu’s philharmonic bands are also present.

15 April (Wednesday)
The Municipal Theatre is the focal point on Wednesday when the town choir performs a concert of religious music.

16 April (Thursday)
Thursdays mass is dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, during which 12 candles are lit and blown out one by one following each reading. On the Thursday evening traditional “Kolombina” (sweet bread with a red egg on the top) is shared and the ceremony of the Crucifixion begins – the most important religious event of the Holy week.

17 April (Good Friday)
On the morning of Good Friday the ceremony of the “Deposition from the Cross” is held at each church on the island. At noon congregations pay their respects to beautifully adorned floral Epitaphs before beginning processions that criss-cross the main roads of the town . This includes the Paris-inspired Liston , the famous main Corfiot square which is adorned with al fresco cafes and eateries. Banners and Byzantine flags are paraded while three uniformed bands play the Adagio by Albinioni, the Marcia Funebre by Verdi and the Funeral March by Chopin. The last procession, the Epitaph from the Metropolis Cathedral, begins after nightfall at 9. 00 pm. Lit by Venetian lamps, and with the striking purple cross and “boukes” on the Acropolis of the old fortress overhead, this procession makes a fitting finale to a day that is steeped in tradition. The only church not to be included in the processions on Good Friday is the Church of St Spiridon in the Old Corfu Town. This takes place on Saturday.

18 April (Saturday)
6am The day starts in the Church of St. Mary where the real earthquake is simulated at 6 o’clock in the morning. This represents the earthquake described in the Bible after Jesus’ resurrection.
9am The Epitaph starts from the Church of St. Spiridon in the Old Corfu Town centre. The Venetians forbade the Corfiot people from making this procession on Good Friday. Therefore, it still takes place on Good Saturday, with an entourage of the best philharmonic bands, including the Old Philharmonic (1840), Mantzaros Philharmonic (1890) and Capodistrias Philharmonic (1980).
11am On the first bell ring, clay pots are thrown from windows and balconies onto the streets below. This noisy custom, enhanced with locals often filling the pots with water beforehand for added impact, with disputed origins, began in Corfu town and has since extended to villages around the island.
11pm The Islanders congregate at churches for Holy Mass Everyone holds a candle lit by the Holy flame. The main square in Corfu town is particularly atmospheric. Once the service is over everyone tries to get their candles home, without the flame being extinguished. On returning home, many perform the shape of the cross under their door arch with their candle, leaving a carbon imprint of the cross. The week finishes with a firework display procession of candles and torches that lights the night sky.

19 April (Easter Sunday)
This is the biggest celebration on the Greek calendar. The 40 days of fasting are now over and families spend the day together, traditionally roasting lamb on a spit. Wine and good spirits are plentiful. Children smash hard boiled eggs in the way we used to play conkers. The eggs are dyed red and are a symbolic tradition.

There are other food specialities for each day over the Easter period, from soups to cheeses to spit roasts, as well as other traditions and customs waiting to be discovered …

We’re hoping that everyone will start sharing their experiences and that everyone will benefit. Perhaps you know of a little family run taverna, how to save money on the busses or where are the best beaches. We’ll be adding in our own knowledge, plus encouraging our Greek owners, agents and friends to do the same.

Villa Sweetwater on Zante is listed as “a friendly Greek home where the owner invites guests to take part in family activities”. From the reviews we’ve had from previous guests, we can wholly recommend this is a great family villa.

The Canava on Santorini is described as ”a unique property, owned and decorated by a local artist, in a village away from the main tourist spots”. Our judgement is that this property is ideal for a group of friends or families with older children.

Villa Eleni on Corfu is “an imposing property in a popular area that remains reasonably priced”. Located in popular Agios Stephanos, this is a perfect, larger villa for a family (or two) or a group.

SunIsle are the only UK tour operator to offer Kea, with our local partnerships (and friends!) on the island. It is very easy to reach, via Athens, making a long weekend as viable as a summer holiday, with cheap flights to Athens another plus point.

The article also recommends another “unspolit Greek Island”, Alonnisos, which is also offered through SunIsle.

For families - Skala Beach Villas, Scala, Kefalonia. So many of our villas fall into this category, but think family holiday and you think beach, you think pool and you think sunshine. And the ideal place to take your family is Skala Beach Villa, just 40meters from the waterfront in Scala. It is also 100 metres walk to a taverna and a shop but private enough to relax and enjoy the peace (or the chaos of your family!). The open-plan villa is well-furnished with comfy sofas and easy chairs and a dining table for four and air-conditioned throughout. Surprisingly, it is cheap for a villa in Kefalonia, which (rightly) has a reputation for being an upmarket holiday destination.

For larger groups - Villa Allejandrina, Coral Bay, Cyprus. This is a tricky category, simply because a “larger group” could be anything from some couples who all want to stay together to a family reunion! However, the problem is solved simply by looking at how much sharing you want to do! If you want to share facilities, but still retreat to your own space whenever you need, we always recommend a small, multi-unit, shared-facility property such as Glyfa Apartments and Studios on Corfu, Metaxatos Studios on Kefalonia. However (and this article is about villas!) if you want a larger and high quality villa then Cypus is a place to consider, as we have some great villas and there is enough to do on the island to satisfy the diverse tastes of many people. So, we’ve opted for Villa Allejandrina, which accommodates up to 11 guests. It has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, has great sea views, loads of facilities including a private pool and BBQ and is close to the beach for those who love sand. We have a range of other large villas that will appeal to both your sense of quality and budget.

For couples - Glyfada Beach Villa Loggos, Paxos. It is quite rare to find villas for couples, but we have a fair selection. We’ve chosen Glyfada Beach Villa as ideal for couples who want to spend a bit of time together but have some activities and life available nearby. This tranquil private estate allows you to enjoy a spot of tennis, relax on the beach or take a leisurely dip in one of the pools. The pretty harbour of Loggos with its tavernas, cafés and bars is within walking distance, all set on the beautiful island of Paxos, which is a small and unspoilt island reached by a short sea-crossing from Corfu.

For budget - Villa Limonia (4 people) or Villa Jasmin (6 people), Kalami, Corfu - Slight cheat to pick two in this category but they are both in the same resort! Now, being on a budget is not about compromising on quality - it is about picking a less-well-known resort - in this case, Kalami. The upside of this is that it is less “touristy” and more “authentic Greece”, meaning that all prices, from food and drink to boat hire are priced more for the locals rather than the holidaymakers. These two private villas both have pools, easy access to beaches, shops and tavernas … and both start at around £100 per person for a week. If you’re a couple, perhaps you can pursuade some of your friends to join you on a value-for-money holiday? Another way to economise without compromising your property is to avoid the school holidays and peak season - generally, resorts are quieter in May/June or September/October, and the temperatures are still in the high 20s (Centigrade, 80s Farenheit) with a lovely warm sea.

For luxury - Villa Apollo, Fiscado, Kefalonia. Architect-designed (and it shows!), this villa has luxury features aplenty, from a private infinity pool to the elegant interior. Set in an idyllic location on the edge of a hamlet, Villa Apollo has everything you need and more for the perfect holiday. This villa is featured in Clifton Life, Bath Life and Cardiff Life in February 2009 as “the place to stay” in upmarket Kefalonia. However, you will be surprised at the price - from £800 for 6 people per week (excluding flights) means that your holiday price can be from £400 per person including  flights and car hire.

For off-the-beaten track - Alonissos. Ok, I’ve cracked - I can’t narrow this down to a single recommendation! As we specialise in lesser-known Greek islands and the quieter resorts on the larger islands, we are passionate about Alonissos; easily reached by ferry from the low-cost flights into Athens but almost completely untouched by tourism. We have a selection of villas available, from Villa Meltemi, for up to 5 guests, to Villa Jura, for up to 10 guests.